Making an elastic fabric/ shirring

I have always loved the beauty a shirred material gives off and the slimming effect of black colour all summed up in one.
Transforming a non-stretch fabric to become stretchy or elastic could be time-consuming but it is worth it, especially if you do it the right way.
I made this outfit in 10 hours, as simple as it looks I know.

First, I divided the skirt area into 5 parts, the first bigger than the next (10.5, 9, 7.5, 6 and 6 inches in descending order).

I cut out a puffy sleeve then I cut out the top which was 3 inches wider on both sides of the back and the front part, summing up to 12 inches extra on the sides to ensure ease in wearing the outfit.

I drew a series of lines that were half inches apart as seen below which will ensure a seamless sewing and beautiful straight-lined sewing.

Then I got my elastic thread and rolled around the bubin till it was full before placing it in the slot below the sewing machine. I reduced the tension of the sewing machine and increased the breadth of sewing.

I sewed on the lines nonstop till the elastic thread needed refilling.

I did this to the front part and the back top part of the gown.

Sewed rubber bands to the sleeve shoulder and rim. While sewing the skirt part I created the little gathers to add more texture.

After attaching all the parts…

Viola!

Here is the gown

Here is a short video of the illustrations written above:

®️Whitney Alexander